Recently, in a non-precedential order, an Illinois appellate court correctly held that a “Pollution and Health Hazard Exclusion” in a commercial general liability policy did not preclude coverage for mold-related bodily injury claims. See In re Liquidation of Legion Indem. Co., 2014 IL App (1st) 140452-U (Sept. 30, 2015) (applying Texas law).

That court held, inter alia, that “the plain language of the [p]olicy does not specifically exclude mold related claims.” Id. at ¶ 16. It continued: “While the policy does not need to specifically list the terms ‘mold’ and ‘fungi’, the intent to exclude coverage must be expressed in clear and unambiguous language. Here the alleged intent to exclude mold related claims was not clearly stated in the [pollution e]xclusion.” Id. at ¶¶ 17-18 (internal citation omitted).  The court later stated: “It is undisputed that the [p]olicy’s [e]xclusion did not include the words ‘mold,’ or ‘fungi’ although [the insurer] could have easily inserted the words in the [p]olicy’s [e]xclusion to avoid different interpretations.” Id. at ¶ 21. All good points.Continue Reading If not “determinative,” then at least compelling: Other, specific exclusionary language available on market undermines application of pollution exclusion